Dave Bing, Detroit Mayor, Undergoes Surgery, Will Take 3 Weeks To Recover [UPDATE]

Bing Undergoes Surgery

This story has been updated.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing had surgery Saturday for a perforated intestine, the mayor's Communications Director Robert Warfield said in a release.

Bing checked into Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Thursday after experiencing discomfort following a dental appointment. On Friday, the mayor's staff said doctors had diagnosed him with colitis, a swelling of the intestine.

Dr. Scott Dulchavsky, chair of the hospital's surgery department, said Bing would remain in the hospital for five to seven days but it would take up to three weeks for him to fully recover. He can resume some work as early as Sunday.

"I expect a faster than normal recovery due to Mayor Bing's spectacular physical health," Dulchavsky said. "He is in very good spirits."

Bing, a former NBA basketball player, is 68.

The mayor's hospitalization and surgery come just days before the city of Detroit may have to sign a consent agreement with the state to keep operating or face the appointment of an emergency manager.

According to Warfield, Bing has appointed his Chief of Staff Kirk Lewis as deputy mayor and Lewis "will act as mayor until Mayor Bing is able to resume his normal activities." Warfield did not say whether those duties included reaching an agreement with Gov. Rick Snyder or the Detroit financial review team.

UPDATE: Sunday 9:25 a.m. -- The Detroit News reports city and state officials continue to work toward a consent agreement, despite Bing's hospital stay.

"One has nothing to do with the other," Warfield told the paper.

And Snyder spokeswoman Geralyn Lasher said state officials and Treasurer Andy Dillon were in talks with Lewis, and Lewis in turn discussed matters with Bing.

"We've obviously had dialogue with Kirk. Kirk is in constant communication with the mayor," Lasher told the News.

Detroit's state-appointed financial review team will hold a public meeting Monday and is expected either to announce the group has reached a consent agreement with the city or to recommend Gov. Snyder appoint an emergency manager for Detroit.

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